FAMILIES are being invited to pass on their views about Birmingham International Airport's expansions plans - at the touch of a button.

Solihull Lib Dem MP Lorely Burt has launched an opinion poll on her website to gauge opinion about the scheme.

Mrs Burt has criticised the airport's intention to build over a development line near Catherine-de-Barnes.

The airport unveiled its draft masterplan last week which outlined its intention to build a second runway, expand the existing one and create a third terminal.

"There is no question that these plans are bad for the local environment and our green belt" said Mrs Burt.

"At a time when the growth in airport traffic is towards budget airlines, there should be no need to build across the development line. Other options should be explored

"We already know that projections in the Government's own White Paper mis-calculated passenger projections and the airport states that a second runway is not needed until 2016", added Lorely. "So what an earth is going on?"

"By 2020, aviation pollution on current trends will negate efforts by other industries and methods of transport to reduce carbon emissions", Lorely explains.

"The Government needs to think again and take a fresh look at issue."

She called on residents to log on to her website at www.lorelyburt.org.uk to air their views.

"If it's consultation they want, it's consultation they will get," she added.